Industrial Steel Processor to Locate New Facility in Hickory, North Carolina with $27 Million Investment

HICKORY, N.C. – Steel Warehouse, a leading steel service center with distribution, shipping, and processing capabilities, announced that it will open a state-of-the-art facility in Hickory, North Carolina.  The ambitious initiative is set to create 58 jobs and involve an investment of $27 million over the next four years, significantly enhancing the company's presence and operational capabilities in the Southeastern United States.

Steel Warehouse Company, a family-owned steel solutions provider and service center, boasts a rich 75-year heritage in the steel industry. Possessing deep metallurgical and engineering expertise, the company is headquartered in Indiana and operates 15 locations across the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. Distributing over two million tons of coil, sheet, and plate annually in hot- and cold-rolled materials, Steel Warehouse caters to a diverse range of industries including aerospace, agriculture, automotive, construction, energy, and transportation. The company is renowned for its experience in managing inventory and providing just-in-time shipments, ensuring timely and efficient delivery to meet customer needs. The latest expansion in Hickory is set to be an innovative operation, featuring enhanced processing capabilities designed to bolster the region's industrial supply chain.

“We are excited to put down roots in North Carolina, providing cutting-edge capabilities to support our customers in the region,” said Dave Lerman, Chairman of the Board for Steel Warehouse. “We view Hickory and the State as an attractive place to invest for the long term.”

Randy Isenhower, Chair of the Catawba County Board of Commissioners, said, "The decision by Steel Warehouse to locate and grow in Catawba County reflects our commitment to creating a positive business climate and is a testament to our prime location for industrial growth and innovation."

Mayor Hank Guess of the City of Hickory added, "We are wholeheartedly committed to supporting Steel Warehouse’s expansion. This initiative reflects our city's strategic importance as a key industrial hub and highlights our commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment that attracts significant investment and job creation like this for our growing community.”

Frank Young, Chair of the Catawba County EDC Board of Directors, also highlighted the economic impact: “This project is another step forward in our County's economic development. It underscores our ability to attract industry leaders like Steel Warehouse and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to creating a thriving business ecosystem.”

A public hearing for local incentive consideration will likely be slated for March by the Catawba County Board of Commissioners and the Hickory City Council. 

In addition to Catawba County and the City of Hickory, other key partners in the project include the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, NC Commerce, NC Department of Transportation, NC Community College System, Norfolk Southern, North Carolina Railroad, Duke Energy, and Catawba County Economic Development Corporation.

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Media Contacts:
Catawba County Economic Development Corporation
Nathan Huret
828-267-1564
nhuret@catawbacountync.gov